Martin Zubimendi Arsenal speculation has taken another turn after the Gunners were warned against allowing the midfielder to leave, particularly for a Premier League rival.
The Spain international has attracted interest after Arsenal strengthened an already competitive midfield with the £75million signing of Bruno Guimaraes.
Chelsea and Real Madrid have both been linked with Zubimendi, while reports in Spain have claimed Arsenal value the 27-year-old at around €90million (£77m). ReadArsenal reported on Monday that Madrid were considering a move, although the Gunners were not looking to sell.
Now European football journalist Andy Brassell believes Arsenal would be making a mistake by changing that position.
Martin Zubimendi Arsenal warning issued
Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell argued Arsenal should retain Zubimendi because of the volume of football Mikel Arteta’s side expect to play this season.
He described a summer sale as “very short-sighted”, particularly given the physical demands placed on Declan Rice during England’s World Cup campaign.
Brassell was even more cautious about the possibility of Zubimendi joining Chelsea, believing Arsenal could regret strengthening a direct Premier League rival.
The midfielder only joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer and went on to make 57 appearances in all competitions during his first season, scoring six goals and providing three assists as Arteta’s side won the Premier League.
Competition has increased significantly since then. Guimaraes joins Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze among Arteta’s senior central options, while Ethan Nwaneri has returned from his loan spell.
Zubimendi also returned to Arsenal training on Tuesday following his extended post-World Cup break.
There is currently no indication Arsenal are actively trying to sell him. However, with Chelsea and Real Madrid continuing to be linked, the midfielder’s situation is becoming one to watch before the transfer window closes.
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